WASHINGTON, May 14, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance
Professionals (NABIP) wishes to address the recent CMS press
release that casts agents and brokers in the ACA Marketplace in an
unfavorable and misleading light.
NABIP addresses the recent CMS release that
casts brokers in the ACA Marketplace in an unfavorable light.
Jessica Brooks-Woods, CEO of
NABIP, expresses profound disappointment: "We are deeply troubled
by the portrayal of health insurance agents and brokers in the CMS
statement. What was not addressed is the possibility that a large
number of these unauthorized plan switches are due to technological
vulnerabilities that allow automated systems to make the switches,
not the unethical practices of agents and brokers."
NABIP has actively collaborated with CMS and other stakeholders
since learning about the problem, bringing to light specific
technological flaws that allow these systems to manipulate the
agent assignment process. "We have presented evidence of systems
switching thousands of consumers within mere minutes—a task
impossible for humans. This clearly indicates a need for enhanced
security protocols within the systems used by CMS," Brooks-Woods
adds.
The unique structure of the marketplace, where agents and
brokers must work through an intermediary rather than directly with
carriers, introduces specific challenges. "One of our members lost
several thousand clients in less than three minutes due to these
vulnerabilities," Brooks-Woods states. "These incidents not only
represents a significant revenue loss but also disrupts the trust
and relationship established with healthcare consumers."
NABIP highly recommends the implementation of more rigorous
security measures, such as two-step authentication, to protect
against such vulnerabilities. "A simple click is not a sufficient
barrier against the sophisticated tactics employed by these
high-tech automated systems. Other industries have adopted more
secure methods, and it's time for the health insurance marketplace
to follow suit," Brooks-Woods asserts.
"As a broker committed to helping consumers access affordable
insurance while adhering to extensive government regulations, it's
frustrating for our profession to be blamed," stated NABIP
President Eric Kohlsdorf. "NABIP
members adhere to a strict ethical code designed to support,
protect, and advocate for Americans and our industry. NABIP is
eager to collaborate with all stakeholders to find solutions and
protections that Americans deserve."
In light of these ongoing challenges, NABIP reinforces its
commitment to our Healthcare Bill of Rights that reflects our
broader mission to promote a healthcare system that prioritizes
affordability, accessibility, quality, equity, and dignity for
every individual.
NABIP remains committed to working with CMS and others to
resolve these issues and ensure a fair, secure Marketplace that
benefits all stakeholders, particularly the consumers who depend on
the servicing agent to help them access affordable and appropriate
healthcare coverage.
NABIP is the preeminent organization for health
insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently
to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable
healthcare and related benefits. NABIP represents and provides
professional development opportunities for more than 100,000
licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents,
consultants, and benefit professionals through more than 200
chapters across America.
Press Contact:
Kelly Loussedes, SVP of Public Relations
202.595.3074 or kloussedes@nabip.org
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SOURCE National Association of Benefits and Insurance
Professionals